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Dishes you should try in Defne: Künefe, Kağıt Kebabı (paper-wrapped kebab) and Sürkü (Sürk). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Defne is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Defne

  • Künefe

    Künefe, made by placing fresh cheese between thin strands of kadayıf, baking it and sweetening it with syrup, is the most popular dessert in Defne too.

  • Kağıt Kebabı (paper-wrapped kebab)

    Prepared by wrapping lamb with vegetables in greaseproof paper and baking it. It is one of the distinctive flavours of Hatay cuisine.

  • Sürkü (Sürk)

    Sürkü, made with pepper paste, walnuts and spices, is an essential flavour on Defne's breakfast tables.

Dishes from Hatay Cuisine

What to eat in Hatay →

These dishes are known throughout Hatay province; see the provincial food guide for details.

  • Antakya Künefesi (cheese and kadayıf dessert)

    A dessert with a registered geographical indication, baked with unsalted cheese between layers of shredded kadayıf.

  • Antakya Kağıt Kebabı (kebab baked in paper)

    A kebab with a registered geographical indication, cooked on greaseproof paper.

  • Hatay Tepsi Kebabı (tray-baked kebab)

    A registered kebab of minced meat baked in a tray.

  • Hatay Humusu (Hatay hummus)

    A meze made with chickpeas and tahini, with a registered geographical indication.

  • Hatay Kaytaz Böreği (Hatay kaytaz börek)

    A börek with a registered geographical indication.

  • Hatay Oruğu (Hatay oruk)

    A registered oruk, similar to içli köfte.

What to Buy in Defne: Local Products

  • Hatay Defne Soap Hatay Defne Soap was registered as a protected geographical indication on 16 October 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 219). Product group: other products. Registered by: Samandağ District Governorship.
  • Defne Soap Soap produced from laurel oil by traditional methods, the best-known and most valued natural product of the district.
  • Defne Oil (laurel oil) Essential oil obtained from laurel leaves, used in cosmetic and health products.

What Defne Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Apollo and Daphne Myth

    Harbiye, considered in Greek mythology to be the place where the water nymph Daphne, fleeing the love of the god Apollo, turned into a laurel tree, is known around the world because of this legend.

  • Hatay Culinary Culture

    Defne is one of the important centres where the rich culinary culture of Hatay is kept alive. The traditional restaurants in Harbiye serve local flavours to visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Defne?

Defne is known for 3 local dishes, above all Künefe, Kağıt Kebabı (paper-wrapped kebab) and Sürkü (Sürk). Künefe, made by placing fresh cheese between thin strands of kadayıf, baking it and sweetening it with syrup, is the most popular dessert in Defne too.

What is Defne famous for?

Defne is known for Künefe, Hatay Defne Soap and Apollo and Daphne Myth. Its best-known sights include Harbiye Waterfalls and Defne Forests.

What to buy in Defne?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Defne include Hatay Defne Soap, Defne Soap and Defne Oil (laurel oil).

Defne Travel Guide

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